Shaping Our Planet EQ: Why does our planet look this way?

The Water Cycle

The Rock Cycle

Weathering and Erosion

Weathering The breakdown of the materials on Earth’s surface into smaller pieces.

Physical Weathering Process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by external forces. Types of Physical weathering Frost heaving and Frost wedging Plant roots Friction and impact Burrowing of animals

Frost Wedging

Frost Heaving

Plant Roots

Friction and Repeated Impact

Burrowing of Animals

Chemical Weathering The process that breaks down rock through chemical changes. The agents of chemical weathering Water Oxygen Carbon dioxide Living organisms Acid rain

Water Water weathers rock by dissolving it

Oxygen Iron combines with oxygen in the presence of water in a process called oxidation The product of oxidation is rust

Carbon Dioxide CO2 dissolves in rain water and creates carbonic acid Carbonic acid easily weathers limestone and marble

Acid Rain Compounds from burning coal, oil and gas react chemically with water forming acids. Acid rain causes very rapid chemical weathering

1908 1969

Erosion The process by which water, ice, wind or gravity moves fragments of rock and soil.

Ice Erosion Glaciers

Wind Erosion Click Me

Mass Movements Landslides, mudslides, slump and creep Watch Me